ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Government adopts multi- pronged strategy to abolish bonded labourers system
The Government has adopted a multi- pronged strategy for abolition of bonded labourers system:
 Central Government enacted the Bonded Labour System  Act, 1976; The Act empowers Executive Magistrates to exercise powers of Judicial Magistrate of first or second class for trial of offences; Vigilance Committees at District and Sub-divisional levels have been prescribed to identify and rehabilitate bonded labourers and
 Implementation of Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers: Under the Scheme, the Government of India provides financial assistance amounting to Rs.30,000/- for each case of rehabilitation. In addition to the financial assistance, the beneficiaries are also entitled for the following non-cash assistance from the respective State Government:
- Allotment of House/site & agricultural land
- Land development
- Provision of low cost dwelling Units.
- Animal husbandry, dairy, poultry, piggery etc.
- Wage employment, enforcement of minimum wages etc.
- Collection and processing of minor forest products.
- Supply of essential commodities under targeted public distribution system.
- Education for children.
The details of bonded labourers rehabilitated under the Central Sector Scheme viz. Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour, State / UT- wise, during 2020 -21, 2021-22 and 2022-23  is as under:
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|
Year
|
|
State/UT
|
|
Number of bonded labourers rescued/ rehabilitated
|
|
2020-21
|
|
Assam
|
|
1
|
|
Bihar
|
|
220
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
34
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
49
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
16
|
|
2021-22
|
|
Bihar
|
|
360
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
1016
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
50
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
250
|
|
2022-23|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
70
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
297
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
287upto February 2023.
The details of fund allocated under the scheme “Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer” since 2018 are as under:

|
|
Year
|
|
Budget Estimate
|
|
2018-19
|
|
10.00
|
|
2019-20
|
|
8.00
|
|
2020-21
|
|
10.00
|
|
2021-22
|
|
10.00
|
|
2022-23
|
|
10.00
This information was given by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Special Service and Features
E-auction: FCI makes available 6 lakh MT of food grains for Southern Zone including Kerala
Food Corporation of India  has made available almost 6 lakh metric tons of food grains via e-auction for the Southern Zone, which includes Kerala. This initiative is part of FCI's efforts to control the rising prices of rice and wheat in public markets. Through this e-auction, FCI has supplied 229,909 metric tons of wheat and 368,460 metric tons of rice to the public market. Of this, 82,960 metric tons of wheat and 1,080 metric tons of rice have been sold. The Open Market Sale Scheme - Domestic  was launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to offer the public an opportunity to purchase rice, wheat, and other food grains at government-fixed prices through e-auction. The prices set in the e-auction are Rs 2,150 per quintal for wheat, Rs 2,900 per quintal for regular rice, and Rs 2,973 per quintal for fortified rice, available in both boiled and raw varieties. Interested buyers can visit https://www.valuejunction.in/fci/ .
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Special Service and Features
SEIZURE OF 723 Grams of Gold valued at Rs. 34.93 Lakhs by Chennai Air Customs. Pax Arrested
Based on specific intelligence, a male passenger shri Mahendran, S/o Sh. Mayakrishnan resident of Ariyalur who arrived at Chennai International Airport from Sharjah by Air Arabia flight G9-473 on 26.03.2022 at 1300 hours was intercepted by Chennai Air Customs Officers. On examination of his person and baggage Gold in paste form weighing 780 grams was found concealed in his rectum, which resulted in recovery of 723 Grams of Gold ingot of 24K purity and same has been recovered and seized and the passenger has been arrested under the Customs Act, 1962.
Further investigations under progress, according to a press release issued by Pr.Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
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Election Commission
Biennial Election to the Bihar Legislative Council by the members of Legislative Assembly  - Polling on 6th July 2020
The term of nine members of Bihar Legislative Council elected by the members of Legislative Assembly  has expired on 06.05.2020. Details are given as under:
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S.No.
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|
Name of the Member
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|
Date of Retirement
|
|
1.
|
|
Ashok Choudhary
|
|
06.05.2020
|
|
2.
|
|
Krishan Kumar Singh
|
|
3.
|
|
Prashant Kumar Shahi
|
|
4.
|
|
Sanjay Prakash
|
|
5.
|
|
Satish Kumar
|
|
6.
|
|
Radha Mohan Sharma
|
|
7.
|
|
Sonelal Mehta
|
|
8.
|
|
Md. Haroon Rashid
|
|
9.
|
|
Hira Prasad Vind
Considering the prevailing unforeseen situation of public health emergency due to COVID-19 and the guidelines & orders passed under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 by the competent authority, the Election Commission, on 03.04.2020 passed an Order under Article 324 of Constitution of India read with section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951,and directed that the process of election to the above mentioned seats shall be initiated at a later date after reviewing the prevailing situation.
The Commission, after receiving inputs from CEO, Bihar, has now decided that above mentioned biennial election to the Bihar Legislative Council by members of Legislative Assembly be held in accordance with the following programme:
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S. No.
|
|
Events
|
|
Dates
|
|
-
|
|
Issue of Notification
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|
18th June, 2020 
|
|
-
|
|
Last Date of making nominations
|
|
25th June, 2020 
|
|
-
|
|
Scrutiny of nominations
|
|
26th June, 2020 
|
|
-
|
|
Last date for withdrawal of candidatures
|
|
29th June, 2020 
|
|
-
|
|
Date of Poll
|
|
06th July, 2020 
|
|
-
|
|
Hours of Poll
|
|
09:00 am to 04:00 pm
|
|
-
|
|
Counting of Votes
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|
06th July, 2020 at 05:00 pm
|
|
-
|
|
Date before which election shall be completed
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|
08th July, 2020 
Adequate measures for close monitoring of the election process by appointing observers shall be taken to ensure free and fair election.
Commission has also directed the Chief Secretary of the State to depute a senior officer from the State to ensure that the extant instructions regarding COVID-19 containment measures are complied with while making arrangements for conducting the elections.
SBS
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Ministry of Defence
Navy’s indigenously built guided-missile stealth destroyer INS KOLKATA gets affiliated to Mahar Regiment
Mumbai, 26 May 2022
The Indian Navy’s indigenously built guided-missile stealth destroyer, INS Kolkata, was affiliated to the Mahar regiment, one of the most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, on Wednesday  at an impressive ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
Captain Prashant Handu, NM, Commanding Officer, Kolkata hands over the ship’s crest to Brigadier Navneet Jaryal, Commandant, Mahar Regimental Centre.
With signing of the Affiliation Charter by Lieutenant General C Bansi Ponnappa, AVSM, VSM, Adjutant General of the Indian Army and Colonel of the Mahar Regiment, Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena, NM, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet, Brigadier Navneet Jaryal, Commandant, Mahar Regimental Centre, and Captain Prashant Handu, NM, Commanding Officer, Kolkata, onboard the ship, the affiliation was solemnised.
Lieutenant General C Bansi Ponnappa, AVSM, VSM, Adjutant General of the Indian Army and Colonel of the Mahar Regiment paid homage to the bravehearts at Gaurav Stambh in naval dockyard and signed the visitors book.
Affiliation Charter being exchanged by Lieutenant General C Bansi Ponnappa, AVSM, VSM, Adjutant General of the Indian Army & Colonel of the Mahar Regiment and Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena, NM, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet in the presence of Brigadier Navneet Jaryal, Commandant, Mahar Regimental Centre, and Captain Prashant Handu, NM, Commanding Officer, Kolkata.
The ceremony saw the parading of a joint guard and joint performance by the bands of the Navy and the Mahar Regiment.
Joint guard of honour of the Navy and the Mahar Regiment onboard INS Kolkata.
By happy coincidence, Kolkata’s motto “Yudhay Sarvasanadh”  and the Mahar Regiment’s motto “Yash Siddhi”  complement and embellish each other well.
Group photo onboard INS Kolkata.
Ministry of Education
Clarification regarding hospitalization of students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya  Wayanad, Kerala
There have been reports in media about hospitalization of students of JNV Wayanad. Navodaya Vidyalaya Sangathan has taken immediate cognizance of the recent incident of students falling sick in JNV, Wayanad and conducted an inquiry through NVS Regional office, Hyderabad.
As per the inquiry, it is reported that the hospitalization of students  is suspected to be a waterborne infection  causing stomach upset of students. Those students who reported symptoms of discomfort were immediately shifted to the district hospital, and all of them were discharged after becoming normal within one day. The samples have been taken by the Health Department for further testing and the reports are awaited.
All the students are healthy and normal now. On receipt of report from the Health Department, further actions in addition to the existing guidelines on ensuring safe drinking water will be implemented soon.
Instructions have already been placed with regard to water testing by public health official quarterly and cleaning of water storage tanks in all JNVs.
All the JNVs are following the directions in this regard. Moreover, all JNVs have been directed to carry out additional water testing drive in their premises and take action on the basis of the test report accordingly.
Ministry of Power
NHPC observes ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ on the occasion of Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
● Pledge administered for ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ to the NHPC employees
● Special ‘Unity Run’ organized on the occasion with a large number of participation
NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company observed ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’  with great patriotic fervour at its Corporate Office and across all its regional offices, power stations, projects and units on 31st October 2022 on the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Shri R.P. Goyal, Director , NHPC flagging off ‘Unity Run’ on 31st October 2022 at NHPC Corporate Office, Faridabad on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 
Shri R.P. Goyal, Director , NHPC administered the pledge for ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ to the NHPC employees at NHPC Corporate Office, Faridabad. A wherein a large number of NHPC employees participated with great enthusiasm.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attends India International Science Festival 2021 in Panaji, Goa
Stresses upon need to realise our potential through science and technology and strengthen India
Along with scientific growth, we also have to pledge to make a pollution-free India
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal today attended the India International Science Festival  2021 in Panaji, Goa. IISF is an annual event considered to be the biggest platform in the country which brings together students, the public, researchers, innovators and artists from around the globe. IISF 2021 is being organised jointly by the MoES, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati.
At the inaugural function, tributes were paid to recently deceased Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat by observing silent prayer. The Union Minister visited various stalls at the IISF, and interacted with students on the occasion. Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh, Shri Shripad Naik and various dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sonowal highlighted the rapid growth of science and technology under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi. He said, PM’s call of Aatmanirbhar Bharat has connected every citizen of the country. The huge success of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in India is a reflection of the success of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It is a victory of science, scientists and human values, the Minister said.
The Minister lauded the role of Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh in promoting science and technology in India, especially among the student community. He also lauded the role of Goa CM Dr Pramod Sawant in bringing fast growth to Goa. Speaking on the growing popularity of Ayush globally, the Union Minister said that scientists are doing new studies to validate India’s age-old traditional systems of medicine. Today, Ayush has captured a global market worth of more than 18 billion dollars.
The Minister added that the government is taking various steps to explore the resources in the seas. Along with scientific growth, we also have to pledge to make a pollution-free India, he said.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Central Share in Premium Subsidy under PMFBY
Government has recently revamped the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana  with effect from Kharif 2020 and interalia revised the premium subsidy sharing pattern for North Eastern States from 50:50 to 90 : 10 between Central and State Government. The premium sharing pattern of remaining States/UTs is 50:50 subject to other provisions of the scheme.
Further, a provision has been made in the revamped Operational Guidelines of the scheme for earmarked administrative expenses @ 3% of the total budget for strengthening the infrastructure and technology for better delivery of the Scheme by the Centre and concerned State Government from their own budget.
Further, Central Government is providing 50% of procurement cost of smart phone along with internet data charges to the States to incentivize them for use of CCE Agri App for reporting Crop Cutting Experiments  data on National Crop Insurance Portal  with Geo-coded and time stamped data. States implementing the scheme at the Village/ Village Panchayat level for major crops are also entitled for 50% reimbursement of incremental expenses of Crop Cutting Experiments . Provision has also been made to share 50% expenses on use of improved technology on receipt of proposal from concerned State Governments. Central Government is also providing 50% of the viability gap funding to the implementing States for establishment of Automatic Weather Stations/Automatic Raingauges network on Public Private Partnership  mode.
This information was given by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
HOMAGE TO WAR HEROES ON 74TH ARMY DAY
On the occasion of 74th Army Day, Lt Gen JS Nain , GOC-IN-C Southern Command laid the wreath and paid homage to those who made the supreme sacrifice while safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation. The event was conducted at the War Memorial, Pune with due adherence to Covid guidelines.
The Army Day is celebrated on 15 January. On this day in 1949, Lieutenant General  KM Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Each year on this day, the soldiers of the Army are honoured, who have served the nation selflessly and set the greatest example of courage and sacrifice.
The Southern Command which is responsible for guarding the country’s western borders, has taken part in all major military operations since Independence and has also provided succour to the citizens in times of natural calamities and other disasters. On the occasion of the 74th Army Day, the officers and soldiers of the Southern Command pledged to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and to preserve the integrity and security of the nation.
The Army Commander conveyed his best wishes to all ranks, veterans, veer naris and their family members on the auspicious occasion and called upon all ranks of Southern Command to rededicate themselves to the task of protecting and safeguarding the motherland from both internal and external adversaries. He also reassured Southern Command’s commitment towards continued assistance to citizens in times of any calamities or natural disasters.
Ministry of Tourism
Union MoS Shripad Naik presents Three Wheel Scooters to Divyangs
Goa : 8 June 2023
Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Tourism, Shri Shripad Naik, handed over seven three-wheel scooters to divyang individuals as part of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme  today. The distribution of these scooters aims to improve the mobility and ease the challenges faced by the beneficiaries.
Shri Naik acknowledged that in 2021, a total of 19 applications were received for three-wheel scooters. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the MPLAD funds were temporarily halted. Presently, the applications are being processed, and funds are being allocated to various projects and applicants. The provision of seven three-wheel scooters today marks a significant step in assisting divyang individuals and enhancing their mobility.
Shri Naik emphasized the government's commitment to social responsibility through initiatives like the MPLAD Scheme. He urged all beneficiaries to take advantage of the available government schemes to fulfill their needs.
GSK/SRT/PM
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Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Human Development Index  in NER
Government of India has accorded top priority for the development of North Eastern Region. In all, 55 non-exempted Central Ministries/Departments are mandated to spend at least 10% of their Gross Budgetary Support  for Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes in North Eastern Region . The Central Government Ministries / Departments have spent Rs. 3,36,640.97 crore under 10% GBS since 2014-15 to 2021-22 for the development of North Eastern Region. Within this, the 10% GBS expenditure by Central Ministries/ Departments in NER in 2021-22 was Rs.70,874.32 crore. In 2022-23, the Budget Estimate for 10% GBS expenditure by Central Ministries/ Departments in NER is Rs.76,040.07 crore.
However, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region  has prepared the comprehensive NER District SDG  Index. The NER District SDG Index  measures and ranks districts of the 8 NE States on social, human, economic, infrastructural and environmental dimensions of development. This is the first time that this Index has been prepared at District level in India. The NER District SDG Index is a tool to not only closely monitor the efforts, achievements and highlight critical gaps in the region, but also helps as a useful trigger for ramping up targeted development initiatives by the Central and State Governments.
This information was given by Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Shri Bhupender Yadav says India is not only leading on the domestic front but also setting up examples internationally by launching various International Alliances for combating climate change
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Labour and Employment Shri Bhupender Yadav has said India is not only leading on the domestic front but also setting up examples internationally by launching various International Alliances such as International Solar Alliance , Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure  and Leadership Group for Industry Transition  for combating climate change.
Addressing the inaugural session of the National Climate Conclave 2023 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Shri Yadav outlined various initiatives that India has undertaken in climate arena with the focus on green growth in the Union Budget 2023-24. He acknowledged Green Climate Fund  Team for their presence in this Conclave and requested all participants to gain a deeper understanding of the GCF modalities and to develop concrete climate projects. He also emphasized the importance of engaging youth positively and proactively on climate change issues to encourage sustainable lifestyles.
Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath stated that for ages, conservation and management practices have been a part of the cultural ethos of India, which encourages compassion and co-existence and highlighted that climate change is the biggest challenge today and its effect is also being seen in the UP state. In the midst of these challenges, we also have to find a way out, he added further. He also highlighted many successful projects being implemented by the State of Uttar Pradesh.
Ms. Leena Nandan, Environment Secretary highlighted that the scope, scale and speed of climate finance have to increase considerably. As an emerging developing economy with ambitious climate plans in place, there are opportunities at various levels including at community level She said we expect that GCF also respond in a commensurate way to our readiness for climate actions.
Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister of State, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and Ms. Carolina Fuentes, Director, Green Climate Fund were also present on the occasion.
This Conclave is part of an ongoing effort to accelerate climate action along the lines of enhanced climate action announced by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at COP-26. This conclave is also designed to create greater awareness on “LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment”.
The objective was to bring officials from States/UTs of India under one roof to focus on the challenges/issues in climate arena and explore innovative solutions at the local level along with creating a vibrant network of stakeholders who will continue to engage with each other on cross-cutting themes such as risk governance, technologies and innovation as well as domestic and international climate finance.
Ministry of Railways
Operation of Freight Trains during Lockdown
As per the information available, the number of goods trains/parcel trains/mall carriers operated during lockdown and COVID 19 is as under:
|
|
Time period
|
|
Total no of goods trains loaded
|
|
Total no of parcel trains 
|
|
During lockdown

|
|
53585
|
|
3826
|
|
From 25.03.2020 to 27.01.2021
|
|
318142
|
|
8899
No Kisan special trains were operated during the lockdown period i.e. 25.03.2020 to 31.05.2020. However, 181 Kisan special trains have been operated on different routes since 7th August, 2020 till 29th January, 2021.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
Union Minister Shri Anurag Singh Thakur in Kochi tomorrow for a day’s visit; Will attend various programmes
Kochi: March 17, 2023
Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur will arrive in Kochi tomorrow for a one-day visit. He will arrive at Nedumbassery Airport and in the morning will attend the Valedictory ceremony of Mathrubhumi daily’s centenary celebrations at CIAL Convention Centre as the Chief Guest. Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the programme.
Later in the afternoon, the Union Minister will interact with the students and faculty of Rajagiri Business School at the institute premises in Kakkanad. As part of the Event, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur will inaugurate the ‘Stag Table Tennis Academy’ and will also present 'Golden Boots' awards to former and current internal athletes.
Later in the evening, the Union Minister will participate in a function to be held at Pragati Academy, Perumbavoor. Shri Anurag Singh Thakur will inaugurate the Holistic Sports in School Curriculum programme, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. State Sports Minister Shri V Abdu Rahiman is also participating in the Event. The Union Minister will leave for Chennai on the same night.
RRTN/SKY
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